5 Books for Union Organizers
Some have argued that organizers are not big readers. That’s probably because of the lack of material on the subject. Here are my top 5 books for union organizers with my own of course. Reading these will give you a broader sense of Labor’s struggles while providing some needed tools to help you organize better. Perhaps this list will help reveal titles you have not yet read and encourage you to continue your search.
1. Rules For Radicals; A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals by Saul D. Alinsky
This book was first published in 1971 and is a manifesto of sorts for social change. It’s a very readable book that covers everything you need to know about community based organizing and making a difference. Saul Alinsky gets it right. Management knows this; so they’re reading it too.
2. Great Labor Quotations; Sourcebook and Reader by Peter Bollen
The author put together a fine collection of quotes from Labor’s greatest leaders. It’s inspirational as well as readable. Reading quotes from long past labor activists helps remind ourselves that we are all fighting similar struggles. The names and the places have changed but things such as living wages, medical care and retiring with dignity are the same issues fought for today. This book is a joy to read and you can rely on it to give you a shot of inspiration when you need it.
3. Organize To Win; New Research on Union Strategies by Kate Bronfenbrenner
Organize To Win is on the syllabus for many organizing classes. There are case studies and actual campaigns that are highlighted by various organizers from different industries. It’s interesting to see how different unions approach the subject of organizing. The author supports the use of data in the form of surveys, research and analysis to gauge workers attitudes during campaigns. In real world situations however organizing is less about statistics and more about service and helping individuals reach their full potential.
4. The Campaign Guide; Organizing the Construction Industry by the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department
This is a spiral reference guide designed to lie flat, that organizers can turn to for answers about legal questions that relate to organizing. For example, let’s say you were wondering what the different types of picketing are and what constitutes a secondary boycott? You would simply refer to the chapter on Picketing in the Construction Industry and voila you have your answer. The sections on communicating with workers and forming alliances are very practical. This book is not available in stores.
5. Bigger Labor; A Crash Course For Construction Union Organizers by Bob Oedy
Whether you just got hired, or are a seasoned veteran, if you want to succeed in construction organizing, Bigger Labor will show you the way. You’ll learn the nuts and bolts of construction organizing – the things they never taught you in the apprenticeship. Plus, this book is chock full of useful worksheets and checklists so you can take what you learn and apply it immediately and directly to your organizing campaign.
